BMS hires Roche's Mike Burgess to lead drug discovery

Mike Burgess has left Roche to become senior VP, discovery medicine and clinical pharmacology at Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Most recently, he was interim head of research and early development at Roche - a position now occupied by John Reed - and had previously led the Swiss pharma firm's oncology discovery and translational area at the same time as serving as head of global large molecule research.

In his new role, he will report to Dr Francis Cuss, senior VP research, R&D, and will be a member of BMS's research senior leadership team.

“As a physician scientist with a PhD in molecular biology, clinical experience in paediatrics and paediatric oncology, and extensive pharmaceutical industry and leadership experience, I believe Mike will be an important addition to our research and development organisation,” said Dr Cuss.

“Mike's broad clinical expertise, cross-therapeutic global team leadership and proven operational excellence will enable Bristol-Myers Squibb to continue to execute its strategy of ensuring sustainable delivery of an innovative pipeline of new medicines for patients.”

Prior to joining Roche, Dr Burgess was a medical fellow at Lilly, having completed his PhD at the University of Bristol in the UK.